TRAVEL to foreign or exotic destinations has its charms. But be warned, it may put you at the risk of certain exotic infections as well as other non-infectious dangers.

Precaution: Safe travel also calls for a regimen of vaccinations. Most vaccines take time to become effective in the body and some must be given in a series of shots over a period of time

Travellers should be mindful that the standard of hygiene varies greatly even within a country or city. As a rule, fruits and vegetables that cannot be peeled or cooked should not be eaten. Water, too, should be boiled, unless bottled.

In fact, according to Dr Clarence Yeo from Killiney Family and Wellness Clinic, bottled water should be the norm even when brushing your teeth. He also advises that all travellers carry a medicine pouch that includes diarrhoea and vomiting medication, antihistamines and paracetamol.

For travellers who go off the beaten track, it is also best to bring along a dose of prescription antibiotics. 'If you travel to places like the Himalayas, for example, where healthcare facilities may be miles away from camp, it is reasonable to request standby prescription medication from your doctor,' says Dr Yeo.

Beyond these common sense nostrums, safe travel often calls for a regimen of vaccinations or a prescribed, pre-travel medication programme. Most vaccines take time to become effective in the body, and some must be given in a series of shots over a period of time.

'It takes about a week to 10 days for vaccines to work, so don't wait till the day before departure to get your jabs,' says Dr Yeo.

Vaccines for travel fall into three broad categories - routine, recommended, and required. Routine vaccines are necessary for protection from diseases that are still common in many parts of the world even though they rarely occur here. This includes those offered to all school-going children under the healthcare system.

According to a doctor from Healthway Medical Group, other vaccines that are recommended include those against influenza and hepatitis. So far, only two vaccinations have been designated as compulsory. These are immunisation against meningitis, which is required for all who make the yearly Haj pilgrimage, and yellow fever, which is endemic in parts of South America and Africa.

The type of vaccination needed is largely specific to each traveller and is dependent upon the destination, time of year, place of stay and even the types of activities planned.

'If you're going into rural communities, or to less developed areas in Cambodia, China or India, you may be at greater risk of certain diseases,' advises Dr Yeo. But there's no need to go overboard with vaccinations, he added.

'Obviously, we don't expect you to get 10 jabs to protect against 10 types of diseases. Most of the time, it's a common-sense decision regarding which vaccine to get, and if you're not sure, just ask the doctor,' he says.

Here are some of the more common diseases that can be prevented through vaccination:

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver in which the most distinct characteristic is yellowing of the eyes and skin, usually preceded by tiredness, high fever and pain in the upper right abdomen. There are many different strains but the most common are hepatitis A and B, both of which can be prevented.

Hepatitis A is usually transmitted through contaminated food and water, while Hepatitis B can be passed on through unprotected sexual conduct. Vaccinations can be taken together and cost around $270 for a full course, which comprises three injections over a six month period. Those vaccinated will retain immunity for between five and 10 years.

Meningitis

This is a bacterial infection of the tissues lining the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include headaches, stiff neck, fever and intolerance of bright light. If not treated, early coma and death can occur very quickly. It is most commonly contracted in crowded areas such as dormitories and buses.

Vaccination provides effective immunisation against four of the meningococcus bacteria, and proof of this vaccination may be needed to travel in certain countries. Each dose of the vaccine can last up to three years and costs around $50.

Influenza

The flu virus attacks the lungs and can spread easily. For some, it can be very serious, even fatal. Young children, the elderly, or people who already have health problems are among those likely to suffer the worst effects.

Sometimes the flu is mistaken for a cold, because some of the symptoms are the same. Runny nose, sore throat and a cough are common to both. But flu is usually worse, resulting in body aches, headache, and fever. Symptoms of flu can last longer than those of a cold, sometimes for weeks.

The height of flu season is during the winter months. It takes about three weeks for the body to build up its defences after vaccination, so the best time to get a flu shot is usually October or November before the start of the season. Each vaccination can last for a year and costs about $30.

Local communications consultancy Talk Sense is currently organising free travel health talks for workplaces in Singapore to raise awareness of travel health among executives. Companies interested to hold such talks may contact